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Jason Kenny joins thousands at final Sky Ride of 2012 in Bolton

Published 16 September 2012

7500 people took to their bikes for Sky Ride Bolton today and enjoyed a great day of traffic-free cycling and fun activities.

Boltonians and visitors cycled along the 5km route that led past Bolton’s historic Town Hall and Olympic Champion Jason Kenny’s golden post box. There were plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy. At Victoria Square the British Cycling Bike Café was busy with lots of riders stopping off for a quick coffee break and a chance to find out about more cycling opportunities. While over at Queen’s Park children checked out the climbing wall. A bit of drizzle did not deter the families and friends who came to enjoy their traffic-free town.

Olympic Champion and local hero Jason Kenny took the time to lead out the ride and sign autographs for fans young and old. The double Olympic gold medallist encouraged fellow cyclists and signed the special 2012 Union Jack Sky Ride bibs.

Jackie Brennan, Recreation Manager at British Cycling said: ‘It's brilliant to see so many people getting out on their bikes and riding for fun. The first ever Sky Ride Bolton has been amazing. A fun and friendly atmosphere and an Olympic Champion! It is fantastic that Bolton Council has put cycling at the heart of Bolton's special year of sport for everyone. Huge thanks to them, and thank you to everyone who came along to promote cycling. Our partners at Cycling Projects, Transport for Greater Manchester, the Greater Manchester Cycle Campaign, Bolton Hot Wheels and many others - all helping more people find out about cycling in Bolton.'

Go-Ride racing provided even more fun for kids, with over 100 youngsters taking the opportunity to get their first taste of competitive cycling right in the centre of town. The young people got expert tips on cycle skills from British Cycling coaches Shona McLean, Joe Malik and Dylan Clayton who were keeping an eye out for the next Jason Kenny!

Sky Ride Bolton is our final mass participation event of 2012. But there are hundreds of ways to keep riding and to get involved with British Cycling. Why not join a Sky Ride Local and take part in a series of free, organised bike rides in Bolton – or even set up an informal Social Cycling Group with friends and neighbours?

British Cycling and Sky have come together to help get even more people riding their bikes and falling in love with cycling. However you ride, we've created a whole range of ways for you to get involved - from big traffic-free events, to local guided rides; from women-only rides and support, to tips, ideas and great routes.